Running Strength Exercises: Fire Hydrant

I’ve talked before about the importance of having strong hips as a runner. And since running really only involves moving forward and backward, it can lead to some parts of your hips getting neglected. Once that happens, you aren’t able to stabilize yourself as well and you become less efficient and more prone to injury.

 

Exercises like the fire hydrant are really important to include in your routine to make sure you’re working your muscles in different ways, and in different planes of movement than when you run.

 

This will not only help with your efficiency and running economy, but will also help prevent injury as you ramp up your mileage and intensity.

 

Check out the video for the correct form and cues for the fire hydrant, and make sure to add it to your core / strength routine to have strong hips in every direction.

 

About Coach Carl
Coach Carl is a USA Track & Field Level 2 endurance coach who works with runners of all ability levels to reach their goals. He has been featured in Runner’s World, Women’s Health, Men’s Fitness, and Competitor. For information on his coaching services, click here.